I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions,
and giving of thanks, be made for all men.

"First of all" indicates that prayer is most important in our worship. It is sad to see that prayer has lost its importance in our lives. We need to prepare ourselves to pray. Our hearts must be right with God and with our fellowman. We must really want to pray, and not pray simply to please people.

"All men" makes it clear that no person on earth is outside the influence of believing prayer. We should pray for the unsaved and the saved, for people near us and people far away, for enemies as well as friends. Verse 2, Paul urged us to pray for those in authority. We may not respect the people in authority, but we must respect their office and pray for them. It is for our own good that we do so "that we may lead a quiet and peacable life in all godliness and honesty".

"Quiet" refers to circumstances around us, while "peacable" refers to a calm attitude within us. The results should be lives that are godly and honorable. "All men" covers "all". Because it's a good thing to do and because it pleases God.